Latest Ratings

In short: Tough hills and terrain but great funIn full: My first time running this one (after the April run being snowed off!) and must say I really enjoyed it. The weather was horrible, and I thought for some reason I could do this run on a full English breakfast, so suffered for the first 4 kms, but the run itself was well organised, the route was fantastic, the long uphill more than compensated for by the not so long downhill, and for the first time I think I managed to run a negative split. Not PB potential for me - I have broked 50 mins 3 times this year on much flatter courses but only managed 54mins on this one - but very enjoyable all the same and the hill work definitely good for leg strength for future races. The finish was also somewhat uplifting with a encouraging crowd on the last little uphill slope. A really enjoyable race.Date of review: September 1, 2008

In short: Definitely one of my favouritesIn full: This was my first ever half last year, and although I found it really tough with all the hills, I really enjoyed it and got around in a respectable 2:13. I was therefore looking forward to the race this year and it didn't disappoint - the organisation was again excellent - I for one didn't mind the walk from the car park to the start as it provides a good warm up and warm down. I managed to run in 1:53 knocking a massive 20 mins of last year's time and a 13 minutes of my previous half PB. I really don't mind the two lap format as you know what to expect second time around, and whilst it is hilly there perversely seemed to be more downhills than uphills.... Still, have run much hillier halfs and am in preparation for the New York marathon so it all helps the leg strength apparently!I really do enjoy this race and even once I knock this running madness on the head I am sure I'll still dust the trainers off once a year for this one.Date of review: August 17, 2008

In short: Glad i did it, but never againIn full: I applied early this year for this race, as part of my training plan for this year's New York marathon. I wouldn't consider myself an expert (yet), but of all the races I have done, this was the toughest (and that includes 2 marathons). The terrain was hard going, slippery steep uphill climbs and no let off when coming down either as you had to look out for where you were treading. Was it just me or did there seem to be far more uphills than down? Spent the whole 14 miles watching my feet to avoid tree roots and rocks (and saw two people go over in front of me). The race was well marked, well marshalled and the water stops were regular enough, but it just didn't suit my training and for an ordinary joe used to flat road running this was too full of injury risks for me. Not taking anything away from the organisation or the setting (it was glorious) - just a bit more than I was prepared for. My average pace for this race was half a minute a mile slower than my marathon pace - that's how hard it was. For all you trail race nutters out there - enjoy next year! I might even come back and marshall!Date of review: August 4, 2008

In short: My second time running this - and my lastIn full: This was my first ever organised race last year and I went into it not knowing what to expect, and enjoyed it. Since then I have run countless 10k's (ALL timed by the organisers) and many more races of greater distance. I only ran this one this year to see how I had improved on last year (which I had - from 60 mins to 50 mins). I now have the experience of seeing how races should be organised, and this one misses most of the tricks. It amazes me that the organisers charge 30 quid and then don't provide timing chips, or at least have penned starts based on expected finish times. I have the utmost admiration for anyone running yesterday who was tackling their first 10k, or running for charity, or both (as I have done myself many times) - however, these guys should be towards the back, where it will not matter how slowly they run (or walk) so that those of us trying to get a decent time don't spend our whole race running round them, through them, or into them. I have spent less than half the entrance fee on this one for other races that provide timing chips, and have penned starts based on times, so why is it so difficult for this race? I won't be running this one again. Ever.Date of review: July 7, 2008

In short: WIll be back next year...In full: Was slightly alarmed at the start by the number of club runners - the read of coming last in a race was looming - but happy to say the course wasn't as undulating as I was expecting (although the hill around mile 9 was tough) and managed a PB for 10 miles inside 90 mins, so very pleased. Well organised, supportive marshalls, easy parking, and nice to have chip timing (although like someone else has already commented I timed myself around 20 secs inside the official time). My new Garmin also measured the course 10 miles exactly and also every mile marker was spot on so nothing but praise from me for the orgnaisers.Date of review: June 2, 2008

In short: Hard in the heat, but...In full: ...possibly the best setting for a race i have ever done. the park is wonderful, my whole family had a great day out. The course was slow at the start - the first bend and narrowing of the track slowed everyone down - but it strung out after that and seemed to pass quicker than the 1 hr 4 mins it took me. The heat was tough but the water on the course was sufficient, and the medal at the end was a nice touch. A bit concerning to see the ambulance racing up the course but in that heat not surprising, unfortunately. Won't let that put me off though, will definitely be back next year.Date of review: May 11, 2008

In short: Overall I enjoyed....In full: ...but the 3 laps for a 10k are always a little repetitive. The first lap alongside the road was very tight for passing on the pavement, but soon stringed out. The run in the park was very pleasant, the course was quick (my second fastest 10k) and the trophy at the end was a nice touch. Would definitely do again - a good local race.Date of review: May 5, 2008

In short: Most enjoyable half marathon yetIn full: This was a great race. Well organised start, good markers and encouraging stewards along the way, plenty of water staions. The only downside for me was the impatience of car drivers trying to squeeze alongside runners on narrow lanes. Certainly no fault of the organisers though. Spring hill was tough, but managed to keep running all the way up it, although my hamstrings are sore today which I put down to that incline! I managed my fastest half yet, and given the 'flat equivalent' distance was 13.7 miles, am very pleased overall. Oh, and the goody bag was the best I have been given at ANY race bar the New York marathon, so it is in good company!Date of review: February 25, 2008

In short: Great prep for NYIn full: I really enjoyed this run. It was flat, scenic (the first half of each lap anyway), well marshalled, plenty of drinks stands, and good spirit amongst runners. I actually broker 2 hours for half marathon distance (first time ever) and comfortably broker 2hrs 30mins for the 16 miles. So nice to run a race and still have most of the Sunday to enjoy afterwards as well. Date of review: October 14, 2007

In short: Best 10K I have doneIn full: My fifth 10k of the summer, also my fastest and probably the most enjoyable. great to start in the stadium on a real track, loads of enthusiastic runners, great support along the way (except a couple of miserable motorists who obviously didn't see signs about road closures) and a nice finish back in the stadium, chip timing (!!!) and a fine medal to finish with. Took a whole load of family who enjoyed being able to sit in relative comfort in the stadium, get a running commentary on how race was progressing, and the ease of parking and leaving. Well marshalled, well supported, well done!!!!Date of review: October 8, 2007